From Texas to California, record heat waves are making summer 2022 unlike any other. Global climates continue to rise as multiple states report triple-digit temperatures. Scientists predicted this summer’s heat waves would begin in mid-June and last throughout the summer, putting us right in the middle of these rising temperatures.
Heat waves’ frequency and duration have been steadily increasing for decades. The 2010s reported heat waves lasting about 70 days. Compare that to the average 20-day heat wave seasons in the 1960s, and the temperature crisis is clear.
With these heat waves spreading across the US, we are all at risk of experiencing state-wide blackouts from an overloaded power grid. Here’s how to prepare for rolling blackouts and power outages.
What Causes Outages?
The summer of 2022 has already been marked as historic in Texas because of a power outage lasting for days throughout the state. The Electric Reliability Council of Texas attributed the outage to an intense heat wave.
There are a few reasons increasing temperatures affect the power grid. Firstly, hot days mean higher usage of air conditioning and other electronics that keep us cool. This leads to more energy usage across the country and a higher need for electricity.
Additionally, few power plants in the country are meant to generate the whole United States. The electricity generated at the plants travels along electrical wires right to our homes. However, if too much energy is demanded, the wiring can overload and lead to short-circuiting.
In other words, extreme weather conditions aren’t convenient for the country’s power grid generating our homes.
Preparation for Blackouts and Outages
Luckily, there are effective ways to prepare for upcoming heat waves and their effects on our power grid. Here are a few things to consider when protecting your homes and families during rolling blackouts and power outages:
Create an Emergency Kit
Power outages can lead to panic or scrambling around to try and gather everything you may need. Preparing an emergency kit beforehand is a good idea to avoid this hassle.
You can use a plastic bag, a suitcase, or a duffel bag. As long as it fits everything you need, it works. Make sure to fill it with the essentials without over or underpacking. Put the kit in an easy-to-reach place to make it accessible in case of an emergency.
Keep Refrigerators Closed
In a power outage, you’ll want to preserve as much food as possible, especially the food in your fridge. It’s best to keep the refrigerator doors closed as much as possible to conserve the cold air inside.
Without power, refrigerators can store food for up to 4 hours, and freezers can stay cold for about 48 hours. Another viable option to store food is to place refrigerated or frozen items in a cooler with ice, sealing them together to protect them from the heat.
As for after the outage, it’s essential to inspect each food item for its edibility. Use a food thermometer to check the temperature of your food. If something is over 40 degrees, it’s best to throw it out. Perishables like dairy, eggs, and meat are best thrown out if an outage lasts over 2 hours.
Disconnect Electronics
Power surges can occur when the power grid comes back on and can cause damage or accidents if too much power is suddenly used. When an outage happens, remember to disconnect all appliances and electronics. This includes gas stoves, ovens, chargers, and anything else that’s plugged in.
Plan Alternative Power Sources
Investing in power sources that don’t rely on the power grid can be useful. One power source you can get is a portable generator. While they can’t power an entire house, portable generators can help you power essential items.
There are also surge protectors, which won’t work during an outage but can power devices safely if the power flickers in and out. You can also invest in a portable charger to keep your devices charged without needing an outlet or electricity.
Buy Non-Perishable Food
Non-perishables are food items that can’t expire, don’t require cold keeping, and can last very long. They are great to store no matter the season or forecast.
Some examples of non-perishable foods are canned goods, dried fruit, grains, nuts, seeds, and protein bars.
Keep Track of Medical Equipment
Some medical needs, such as breathing machines and home dialysis equipment, require electricity to work. Talk to your doctor about power outage plans for your equipment.
Medicines requiring refrigeration may also be at risk of expiration in a power outage. Make sure you know which medicines can be stored at higher temperatures and which will go bad after a certain time in the heat.
Have Flashlights and Batteries
A flashlight is one of the first things everyone asks for when the power goes out. Relying on candlelight for a light source can be tedious and dangerous with so many open flames. It’s a good idea to have a flashlight for every person in your household.
Additionally, ensure you have suitable batteries available for these flashlights in case they are battery-powered. Check the type of batteries needed and keep those in stock in your emergency kit.
Stay Together
When there’s no light in your house, keeping track of items, let alone people, can be challenging. It can be dangerous wandering around alone in the dark, especially for younger kids. Thus, it’s best to pack everyone in the safest room in the house.
Being in one space can make sharing supplies easier, conserve battery power, or limit candlelight since you will only need to light one room.
Prepare Entertainment
It may seem strange that entertainment is part of the preparation for rolling blackouts and power outages. However, it will be appreciated during an actual outage. If you live in a household with younger kids, entertainment can pass the time, lower stress, and turn the outage into quality family time.
You can prepare an easy-to-reach area near your emergency kit to store all types of entertainment. Some ideas include board games, drawing paper, pencils, or puzzles. Another way to entertain yourself is to download movies or shows on streaming services, allowing you to watch your favorite media without needing wifi.
Final Thoughts
With unpredictable weather and soaring temperatures throughout the summer, it’s best to prepare for any outages in your area. While the looming threat of rolling blackouts and outages may seem scary, you can ease your worries by following these simple preparation tips.
